Handle with insert

ABSTRACT

A handle for an appliance and a method of securing the handle to an appliance includes a handle having a hollow end. The handle further includes an insert having a fastener receiving portion. The insert is placed within the hollow end and secured to the appliance with a fastener.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to handle assemblies, and moreparticularly to an appliance handle assembly and methods of securingappliance handle assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handles are commonly used on various household appliances such asrefrigerators, ovens, microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and grills. Often,the handles are located on an appliance door, lid, or storagecompartment to assist users with opening the appliance. Bracketscommonly are used to secure the handle to the appliance. Typically, thebracket is first secured to the appliance. Then, once the bracket issecure, the handle can be secured to the bracket. Alternatively, thebrackets can be welded to the handle. Then, the bracket can be securedto the appliance. The two step process of first securing the bracket,then securing the handle to the bracket can increase the time,complexity, and/or expense of assembling the handle to the appliance.Moreover, the weld between the bracket and handle can break.

In contrast, some handles that are not secured using a bracket mayresult in an end of the handle pivoting on the surface of the appliancewhen the handle is fastened. The pivoting action can create a gapbetween an outer edge of the handle and the appliance. The gap isunsightly, and it may catch clothing or other material between thehandle and the appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the disclosure provides a handle assembly for an applianceincluding a curved handle and an insert. The curved handle has an endincluding a sidewall defining an opening and a cavity within the end.The insert is disposed through the opening and within the cavity. Theinsert includes a fastener receiving portion adjacent the opening and acam surface extending along the sidewall inside the cavity. When thehandle assembly is fastened to an appliance with a fastener that engagesthe fastener receiving portion, the cam surface secures the portion ofthe sidewall between the cam surface and the appliance.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a handle assembly for anappliance including a curved handle and a first insert and a secondinsert. The curved handle has a hollow first end and a hollow secondend. Each end includes a sidewall terminating at an edge that defines anopening lying in an imaginary plane. The imaginary planes intersect at aline until the handle is secured to an appliance. The first insert isdisposed within the hollow first end and the second insert is disposedwithin the hollow second end. Each insert includes a fastener receivingportion and a side surface. The side surface conforms to the interior ofthe hollow end and extends along a portion of the sidewall so that whenthe handle assembly is secured to the appliance, the side surfacecaptures the portion of the sidewall between the side surface and theappliance.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure includes a method of securing ahandle to an appliance wherein the handle includes a hollow end definedby a sidewall. The sidewall terminates at an edge defining an opening.The edge has an outer portion and an inner portion. The method includesthe steps of:

a. placing an insert through the opening and within the hollow end ofthe handle;

b. placing the outer portion of the edge of the handle against anappliance surface;

c. securing a fastener to the insert; and

d. capturing the sidewall between the insert and the appliance surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments and bestmode will be set forth with regard to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a handle assembly secured to a doorof an appliance;

FIG. 2 is a sectional top view of the handle assembly including a curvedhandle and an insert secured to the door taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional top view of the handle assembly;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the encircled area 4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional top view showing another embodiment ofthe handle;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing the handle adjacent anappliance surface with a gap between an inner end of the curved handleand the appliance surface;

FIG. 7 is a sectional top view of the handle of FIG. 6, showing twoimaginary planes, each defined by an opening at the ends of the handle.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the handle assembly securedto the appliance;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the handle assembly securedto the appliance by cooperating fasteners; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of the handle assembly secured to theappliance surface taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring in more detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a handleassembly generally shown at 10 according to one presently preferredembodiment secured to a door of an appliance 12. The appliance shown inFIG. 1 is an oven, although the handle assembly 10 can be used withother appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, microwave ovens,ranges, toaster ovens, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional top view of handle assembly 10 and the surface12 of the appliance. The handle assembly 10 includes a curved handlegenerally indicated at 14 and a pair of inserts generally indicated at16, 18 secured to the appliance surface 12 via a pair of fasteners 20.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the curved handle 14 includes a first end 30 anda second end 32. The curve enables both ends to contact the appliancesurface 12 and provides a clearance between the center of the handle 14and the appliance surface 12 for users to grab the handle 14. Althoughthe handle 14 is shown in FIG. 3 as having a continuous curve from oneend to the other, other embodiments may also be provided. For example,the handle 14 may be relatively straight in the center with curvaturesnear each end, with both curvatures angled toward the appliance surface12.

The handle 14 may be composed of any number of suitable materialsincluding plastic, wood, metal, a glass filled polypropylene, PVC andthe like. The handle 14 may also be formed from any suitable methodincluding die-casting, injection molding, hydroforming, and the like.Although the handle 14 is shown as one integral component, it may becomprised of multiple components secured to one another.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the encircled area 4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4shows the first end 30 of the handle 14 secured to the appliance surface12 via fastener 20. First end 30 includes a sidewall 34 terminating atan edge 35. The edge 35 defines an opening 36 and the sidewall defines acavity 38 within the first end 30. The edge 35 has an outer portion 40and an inner portion 42. The inner portion 42 and outer portion 40 arein contact with the appliance surface 12 after installation.

FIG. 4 also shows the insert 16 disposed through the opening 36 andwithin the cavity 38. The insert 16 is fastened to the appliance viafastener. The insert 16 may comprise a side surface 50, a bottom surface52, and a fastener receiving portion 54. The side surface 50 can conformto the cavity 38 of the first end 30. In one implementation shown inFIG. 4, the side surface 50 substantially fills the cavity 38. The sidesurface 50 includes a cam surface 56 extending along a portion thesidewall 34 adjacent the inner portion 42.

The bottom surface 52 may be generally planar and may carry the fastenerreceiving portion 54. The fastener receiving portion 54 can extend fromthe bottom surface 52. The fastener receiving portion 54 in FIG. 4 isshown as shank integral with the insert 16. In one implementation, theshank 54 does not contain any threads and secures to the appliancesurface 12 by receiving a fastener 20 such as a clamp, a clip, or thelike. The shank 54 can include one or more recesses or ridges (notshown) for assisting in securing a clip. Alternatively, the shank 54 caninclude threads (not shown) for receiving a threaded fastener 20 such asthreaded nut, or may include a hole (not shown) for receiving a pin.

The insert 16 extends over the portion of the sidewall 34 adjacent thecam surface 56 within the cavity 38. The portion of the sidewall 34adjacent the cam surface 56 can be curved. The cam surface 56 and aportion of the side surface 50 adjacent the outer portion 40 of the edge35 touch the sidewall 34 within the cavity 38. This arrangement enablesthe cam surface 56 to capture the portion of the sidewall 34 adjacentthe cam surface 56 between the cam surface 56 and the appliance 12 tosecure the handle assembly 10 to the appliance when the fastenerreceiving portion 54 is secured to the appliance with fastener. When thefastener 20 is secured to the fastener receiving portion 54, thefastener receiving portion 56 draws the insert 16 towards the appliancesurface 12. As the insert 16 is drawn towards the appliance surface 12,the cam surface 56 engages the portion of the sidewall 38, drawing thesidewall toward the appliance surface 12. With the fastener secured, theportion of the sidewall 38 adjacent the cam surface 56 is sandwichedbetween the cam surface 56 and the appliance surface 12. Thus, thehandle 14 cannot be pulled away from the appliance surface 12 due to aclamping action created by the insert 16 and the appliance surface onthe sidewall 38.

FIG. 5 shows another implementation of the handle assembly 10. In thisimplementation, the fastener receiving portion 54 is a blind boreextending through the bottom surface 52 for receiving the fastener. Theblind bore 54 can be threaded to receive a threaded fastener 20 such asa bolt or a screw. Alternatively, the blind bore 54 may not be threadedand may receive a non-threaded fastener 20 such as a rivet or bolt.Moreover, the blind bore 54 can include one or more recesses or ridges(not shown) to secure a fastener 20 such as a clip, plug, or a pinwithin the bore.

FIG. 6 shows the first end 30 placed against the appliance surface 12.As seen in FIG. 6, outer portion 40 of edge 35 and the bottom surface 52of the insert 16 near the outer portion 40 are in contact with theappliance surface 12. In contrast, the inner portion 42 of the edge 35is not in contact with the appliance surface 12. Rather, the innerportion 42 of the edge 35 is suspended above the appliance surface 12due to the angles that the first end 30 and second end 32 are cut. Asshown in FIG. 7, the openings in the first end 30 and in the second end32 are not coplanar with one another until the handle 14 is secured tothe appliance surface 12. Rather, the openings lie in respectiveimaginary planes A and B that intersect at a line C. The first end 30and second end 32 are cut at an angle so that the outer portion 40 ofeach end makes contact with the appliance surface 12 but the innerportion 42 of each edge is suspended away from the appliance surface 12when the handle 14 is placed against the surface as shown back in FIG.6.

The suspension of the inner portion 42 of edge 35 is an optional featureof the handle 14 that can be used ensure that the outer portion 40 doesnot pull away from the appliance surface 12 when the handle assembly 10is fastened to the appliance surface. Common materials used forappliance handles such as metal and plastic can be somewhat flexible andcan allow the handle to flex when fastened to the appliance surface 12.In some circumstances, the flexing of the handle 14 could cause theouter portion 40 of edge 35 to pull away from the appliance surface 12.If a flexible material is used for the handle 14, the ends of the handle14 can be cut so that the inner portion 42 of edge 35 is suspended fromthe appliance surface 12. The suspension of the inner portion 42 causesthe handle 14 to flex as the cam surface 56 pulls the inner portion 42against the appliance surface 12. The first end 30 pivots down about theedge 35 as the cam surface 56 pulls the inner portion 42. Pivoting thefirst end 30 can ensure that the outer portion 40 remains in contactwith the appliance surface 12 while the handle assembly 10 is secured tothe appliance surface 12 and thus prevent a gap between the outerportion 40 and the appliance surface 12.

Additionally, the bottom surface 52 of the insert 16 can be tiltedwithin the cavity 38 with respect to the edge 35. Prior to fastening thehandle assembly 10, the portion of the bottom surface 52 adjacent theouter portion 40 of edge 35 is generally in line with the opening 36. Incontrast, the portion of the bottom surface 52 adjacent the innerportion 42 can be titled above the opening 36 and into the cavity 38near the inner portion 42. The interaction of the cam surface 56 withthe portion of the sidewall 34 adjacent the inner portion 42 causes thebottom surface 52 to tilt with respect to the edge 35. Tilting thebottom surface 52 creates a gap 60 between the bottom surface near theinner portion 42 of the edge 35 and the appliance surface 12.

The gap 60 can help maintain the outer portion 40 against the appliancesurface when the fastener 20 is tightened. The gap 60 can enable thefastener 20 to continue to tighten the handle assembly to the appliancesurface 12 after the inner portion 42 of edge 35 is pulled to theappliance surface 12 without causing handle 14 to flex and pull theouter portion 40 off the appliance surface. As the fastener 20 istightened, the portion of the bottom surface 52 near the inner portion42 is pulled towards the appliance surface 12. The gap 60 allows theinsert 16 to pivot along the sidewalls within the cavity 38 and absorbthe tension from the fastener as it is tightened.

Alternatively, the insert 16 can be sized and shaped so that the bottomsurface 52 lies in line with the opening 36, even when the handleassembly 10 not fastened to the appliance surface 12. For example, thecurvature of the cam surface 56 can be adjusted to increase, decrease,or remove the gap 60.

FIG. 8 shows the first end 30 secured to the appliance surface 12. Thefirst end 30 is secured via fastener 20 shown as a bolt. The bolt 14extends from one side of the appliance surface 12, through a hole 62 inthe appliance surface 12, and into the fastener receiving portion 54 ofthe insert. As can be seen in FIG. 8, there is no longer a gap betweenthe inner portion 42 of the handle 14 and the appliance surface 12.Moreover, FIG. 8 also shows no gap 60 between the bottom surface 52 ofthe insert 16 and the appliance surface 12. As the fastener 20 issecured to the fastener receiving portion 54, the fastener receivingportion 54 draws the insert 16 toward the appliance surface 12. In oneimplementation, the fastener 20 is secured to the fastener receivingportion 54 by tightening fastener. As the insert 16 is drawn toward theappliance surface 12, the cam surface 56 presses against the portion ofthe sidewall 34 adjacent the inner portion 42 and pulls the portion ofthe sidewall 34 toward the appliance surface 12. The insert 16 forcesthe inner portion 42 of the edge 35 from a position spaced away from theappliance surface 12 into contact with the appliance surface. In oneimplementation, the cam surface 56 pulls the bottom surface 52 of theinsert 16 flush against the appliance surface 12. The cam surface 56secures the first end 30 against the appliance surface 12 by capturingthe portion of the sidewall 34 between the cam surface 56 and theappliance surface 12. Thus, the insert 16 and fastener 20 secure thefirst end 30 to the appliance surface 12.

The second end 32 can be secured to the appliance surface 12 in asimilar manner. The second end 32 can be secured by placing insert 16within the cavity 38 of the second end 32, placing the second end 32against the appliance surface 12, placing fastener 20 within thefastener receiving portion 54, and securing the fastener.

FIG. 9 shows another implementation of the handle assembly 10 in whichanother fastener arrangement secures the insert 16. The insert 16 isplaced in the cavity 38 and includes a blind bore 54 extending throughthe bottom surface 52 for receiving the fastener 20. The fastener 20 isshown as a stud or a bolt extending from or through the appliancesurface 12 and into the blind bore 54. A head 64 of the stud 20 extendsnear the top of the blind bore 54 as seen in FIG. 10. The sidewall 34and the insert 16 include aligned holes 66, 68 for receiving a pin orscrew 70. The screw 70 extends through holes 66, 68 and into thefastener receiving portion 54 beneath the head 64 of stud 20. Thisconfiguration prevents the end of the handle 14 from being lifted awayfrom the appliance surface 12 or the stud 20 from sliding out of theblind bore 54. For example, any attempt to pull the handle 14 away fromthe appliance surface 12 may cause the screw 70 to intersect with thehead 64 of the stud 20, thus preventing further movement of the handle14 away from the appliance surface 12.

The embodiments of the handle assembly 10 and methods of securing thehandle assembly discussed above are intended to be illustrative of somepresently preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting.Various modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the handleassembly 10 can be configured for attachment to any number of appliancesand surfaces, and may be configured to interact with any number offasteners. The invention is defined by the claims that follow.

1. A handle assembly for an appliance, comprising: a curved handlehaving an end, the end including a sidewall defining an opening and acavity within the end; and an insert disposed through the opening andwithin the cavity, the insert including a fastener receiving portionadjacent the opening and a cam surface extending along the sidewallinside the cavity so that when the handle assembly is fastened to anappliance with a fastener that engages the fastener receiving portion,the cam surface secures the portion of the sidewall between the camsurface and the appliance.
 2. The handle assembly of claim 1, whereinthe curved handle has a second end, the second end including a sidewalldefining an opening and a cavity within the second end, and an insertdisposed through the opening and within the cavity of the second end,the insert including a fastener receiving portion adjacent the openingand a cam surface extending along the sidewall inside the cavity so thatwhen the handle assembly is fastened to an appliance with a fastenerthat engages the fastener receiving portion, the cam surface secures theportion of the sidewall between the cam surface and the appliance. 3.The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a bottomsurface for engaging the appliance, the fastener receiving portion beingdisposed in the bottom surface.
 4. The handle assembly of claim 1,further including a fastener for securing the fastener receiving portionto the appliance.
 5. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the insertsubstantially fills the cavity.
 6. The handle assembly of claim 1,wherein the fastener receiving portion is a shank.
 7. The handleassembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener receiving portion is a blindbore.
 8. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert is comprisedof a glass filled polypropylene.
 9. A handle assembly for an appliance,comprising: a curved handle having a hollow first end and a hollowsecond end, each end including a sidewall terminating at an edgedefining an opening lying in an imaginary plane, wherein the imaginaryplanes intersect at a line until the handle is secured to an appliance;a first insert disposed within the hollow first end and a second insertdisposed within the hollow second end, the first insert and the secondinsert each including: a fastener receiving portion; and a side surfaceconforming to the interior of the hollow end and extending along aportion of the sidewall so that when the handle assembly is secured tothe appliance, the side surface captures the portion of the sidewallbetween the side surface and the appliance.
 10. The handle of claim 9,wherein each insert includes a bottom surface and the side surface ofthe insert tilts the bottom surface with respect to the opening definedby the respective edge.
 11. The handle of claim 9, wherein the fastenerreceiving portion is a shank.
 12. The handle of claim 9, wherein thefastener receiving portion is a blind bore.
 13. The handle of claim 9,wherein fastener receiving portion is threaded to receive a threadedfastener.
 14. The handle of claim 9, wherein the first insert and thesidewall of the first insert each contain a hole aligned with each otherto receive a fastener within the fastener receiving portion of the firstinsert.
 15. The handle of claim 9, wherein the first insert and thesecond insert are comprised of a glass filled polypropylene.
 16. Thehandle of claim 9, wherein the imaginary planes become coplanar whenboth ends of the handle are secured to an appliance surface.
 17. Amethod of securing a handle to an appliance wherein the handle includesa hollow end defined by a sidewall with the sidewall terminating at anedge defining an opening, the edge having an outer portion and an innerportion, the method comprising the steps of: a. placing an insertthrough the opening and within the hollow end of the handle; b. placingthe outer portion of the edge of the handle against an appliancesurface; c. securing a fastener to the insert; and d. capturing thesidewall between the insert and the appliance surface.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the securing step further comprises positioning thefastener so that the appliance surface is positioned between the insertand at least a portion of the fastener.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the insert includes a generally flat bottom surface and thesecuring step further comprises tightening the fastener to pull thebottom surface flush against the appliance surface.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the insert forces the inner portion of the edge from aposition spaced away from the appliance surface into contact with theappliance surface.